Alas Pilipinas Women open their 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign with a massive challenge as they battle 14-time champion Thailand in a high-stakes Group A showdown.
Alas Pilipinas Women brace for one of the toughest opening assignments imaginable as they take on regional powerhouse Thailand to kick off their 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok.
The Group A duel pits a rising Philippine squad hungry to end a 20-year podium drought against the standard of Southeast Asian volleyball. The Thais have ruled the Games 14 times and has not lost to the Philippines since 1993.
Still, team captain Jia de Guzman believes that Alas Pilipinas is entering the matchup more prepared, more cohesive, and more battle-tested than at any point in the past two decades.
After two years of playing together across AVC tournaments, SEA V.League legs, and multiple international camps, the decorated setter says the team’s chemistry is finally where it needs to be.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman sees SEA Games as culmination of Alas Pilipinas' two-year journey]
De Guzman will orchestrate the offense with the support of fellow setters Mars Alba and Julia Coronel, while liberos Dawn Catindig and Justine Jazareno stabilize the receive-and-dig foundation needed to withstand Thailand’s world-class tempo.
Alas is also banking heavily on a potent mix of veterans and rising stars.
Eya Laure and Vanie Gandler provide stability on the wings, while Angel Canino, Bella Belen, Shaina Nitura, and Japan-based Alyssa Solomon offer dynamic scoring options that can challenge Thai blockers.
[ALSO READ: Eya Laure locked in as Alas Pilipinas chase long-awaited SEA Games women’s volleyball medal]
At the net, Maddie Madayag, Dell Palomata, and Amie Provido headline a retooled middle rotation tasked with slowing down Thailand’s speed-driven offense.
Alas Women enter Bangkok with renewed confidence behind a historic silver medal in the AVC Challenge Cup, plus back-to-back bronze finishes in the SEA V.League.
Those achievements have raised expectations — and belief — that this group can finally rewrite the narrative.
But head coach Jorge Souza De Brito remains grounded, acknowledging the enormous task ahead while reaffirming the team’s commitment to compete fearlessly.
[ALSO READ: Alas coach Jorge De Brito says SEA Games medal chase is about pride, not silencing critics]
Only the top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout semifinals on December 14, with the gold medal match set for the next day.
First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. (Manila time).
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo/One Sports)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]